tangent
A topic or direction that diverges from the main subject
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's not go off on a tangent—we need to finish the budget discussion.”
Over coffee
“Sorry, I went off on a tangent about my vacation plans.”
Why this word
digression
Tangent suggests a sudden divergence from the main topic, while digression is any departure that may be gradual
aside
Tangent implies accidentally veering off-topic, while aside is an intentional brief comment
deviation
Tangent specifically means diverging from the main discussion thread, while deviation is general departure from any norm or path
Usage tip
Commonly used in the phrase 'go off on a tangent' to indicate straying from the main conversation
Etymology
Latin: tangentem (touching), from tangere (to touch)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.